The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success

Chapter 12 argues that habits are a way for your brain to conserve energy. Habits establish what the brain needs to do automatically so it can go on autopilot. For this reason, people can develop bad habits without realizing it.

Mylett insists that positive habits are key to success: “It is the habits you create to get you through those days when you don't really feel like doing the things you need to do to be successful” (155). Mylett describes habits in relation to Achieving Goals With Neuroscience and Quantum Mechanics. The brain operates in a relaxed state and an alert state. When in the alert state, physiological changes occur, such as higher blood pressure, increased heart rate, and release of cortisol in the bloodstream. He cites the concept of neuroplasticity: the idea that the brain can change because of experience.

Mylett writes that “creating new habits involves three steps: the trigger, the action, and the prize” (158). The trigger involves intentional thoughts and repetitions to create new habits. Then, you should create a new trigger that will prompt the brain and body to react in the desired way. The action is the response you have when in a heightened state of alert.